What is the difference between the body number and the VIN Code

The VIN code is a kind of vehicle identifier that can be used to get a lot of useful information about the car. Many, out of inexperience, confuse the VIN number with the vehicle body number, that is, they believe that the VIN number and the body number are one and the same. Such a mistake can cause misunderstandings and problems in the future. To avoid trouble, let's figure out what these two numbers are and what their differences are.

What is body number

Body number is a code in which the manufacturer has encrypted information about the manufacturer and the type of car body. The number can contain from 9 to 12 characters. The number of characters in the number depends on the make, model and type of car. The body number traditionally consists of two blocks:

1. The first block is the first 4-6 characters. They contain encrypted information about the brand, body type.
2. The second block is the serial (production) number of the body, which can contain from 5 to 8 characters (letters and numbers).

The body number is applied to different elements of the body to avoid falsification in case of theft. The standard number locations are on different body elements under the hood, under the front seats, in a special niche under the windshield.

Coding of the body number is quite simple, and special tables are usually used for decoding

What is the VIN number of the car

The VIN number of the car is also located under the hood on the body partition, which was one of the reasons for the confusion. However, the VIN code differs from the body number in the set of numbers, content, and volume of encrypted information.

The first difference of the VIN code is that it will always contain 17 characters (numbers and letters) in all car brands and models. Also, regardless of the manufacturer and model, the vehicle identification code has the same structure, which divides the number into three blocks of information:

1. WMI is the manufacturer's index. It consists of the first three characters of the code, in which information about the brand, geographical location and country of the brand is encrypted.
2. VDS – information block (4-9 characters). This is a descriptive part of the code, which contains encrypted information about the model, configuration - type of body, engine, transmission, security systems, specifications. The ninth sign in most cases does not carry an informational load, it is a control sign.
3. VIS - vehicle identifier. Includes the last 8 characters. One (the 10th character) indicates the model year, the 11th character identifies the assembly plant, and the last 6 characters are the car's serial number.

Different brands of cars use different unique markings, and each manufacturer independently determines what data should be encrypted in the VIN symbols of the car number.

To minimize the risk of falsification, the VIN code is entered in the documents on the car and applied to various parts of the body. When choosing a place to apply the VIN code on the body, manufacturers are guided by the following principles:

1. in the event of an accident, the risk of damage to this part is minimal;
2. this part of the body must be protected from moisture and corrosion;
3. The VIN code is applied only on non-removable body parts.

The VIN number is used to identify the car in the registration authorities, the police, and the databases of insurance companies. Therefore, if necessary, the VIN code can be used to check the equipment, history of the vehicle and other information, such as country of manufacture by VIN code of the car.

What is the difference between the body number and the VIN code?

The main differences between the VIN code and the car body number:

1. Code length.

The body is marked with an irregular number of characters - from 9 to 12, and the VIN code in any car always consists of 17 characters.

2. Information content.

The body number contains information only about the make, model and body type of the car, as well as the serial number of the body. The VIN contains all information about the brand, model, modification, equipment, including data about the type of body, as well as the serial number of the car.

3. Difficulty of decoding.

The body number has a simple structure and is easier to decipher. To decipher the VIN number, you will need a VIN decoder.

4. Field of application during operation.

Unlike the body number, the VIN number serves as an important tool for identification, control, and verification. It helps in the selection of spare parts, protects against fraud, forgery, and other illegal actions in the process of selling a car.